U.S. patent application number 10/015788 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-19 for marine window assembly.
Invention is credited to Boisvert, Daniel.
Application Number | 20030110718 10/015788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21773639 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030110718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boisvert, Daniel |
June 19, 2003 |
Marine window assembly
Abstract
A marine window assembly for installation within a boat cabin
wall includes a piece of glazing material, a shielding member,
first and second layers of sealant, and a plurality of fasteners.
The first layer of sealant is disposed on a first face of the
glazing material along a substantial portion of the circumferential
perimeter and said second layer of sealant disposed on said second
face of said glazing material. The shielding member is positioned
over said second layer of sealant and said glazing material and
fastening means are used to secure the shielding member, said
glazing material and said first and second layers of sealant to
said cabin wall against first and second substantially transverse
surfaces of the opening. The first and second layers of sealant are
chosen to have coefficients of thermal expansion that are
substantially similar to that of the shielding member so that when
the assembly is exposed to a range of temperatures, adhesion
between first and second layers of sealant and shielding member
will be maintained.
Inventors: |
Boisvert, Daniel; (Freelton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
SCOTIA PLAZA
40 KING STREET WEST-SUITE 4000 BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Family ID: |
21773639 |
Appl. No.: |
10/015788 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/208 ; 52/510;
52/511 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 3/5892 20130101;
B63B 2019/0046 20130101; B63B 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/208 ; 52/510;
52/511 |
International
Class: |
E06B 003/00 |
Claims
1. A window assembly for installation within a boat cabin wall
having an opening, the opening having first and second
substantially transverse surfaces, said assembly comprising: (a) a
piece of transparent or translucent glazing material dimensioned to
substantially close said opening and having a circumferential
perimeter, and first and second opposite faces; (b) a mounting
structure for holding said glazing material in place substantially
closing said opening, said mounting structure comprising: (i) first
and second layers of sealant, said first layer of sealant disposed
on said first face of said glazing material along a substantial
portion of the circumferential perimeter and said second layer of
sealant disposed on said second face of said glazing material along
a substantial portion of the circumferential perimeter; (ii) a
shielding member positioned over said second layer of sealant and
said glazing material; and (iii) fastening means for securing the
shielding member, said glazing material and said first and second
layers of sealant to said cabin wall against the first and second
substantially transverse surfaces.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said shielding member has a
curved and grooved bottom surface.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said curved bottom of said
shielding member is adapted to provide additional space for said
first and second layer of sealant along the longitudinal axis of
said shielding member.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second layer of
sealant have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is
substantially similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of
the shielding member.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second layers of
sealant is corrosion inhibitive.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises
a plurality of longitudinally spaced nut and bolt assemblies
extending between said shielding member and said cabin wall for
securely biasing the shielding member to the cabin wall.
7. A method of installing a piece of glazing material in an opening
formed within boat cabin wall, said opening including first and
second substantially transverse surfaces, using a window assembly
comprising: a piece of transparent or translucent glazing material
dimensioned to close the opening and having a circumferential
perimeter and first and second opposite faces; first and second
layers of sealant; a shielding member; and fastening means, said
method comprising: (a) applying the first layer of sealant to the
first face of said glazing material along a substantial portion of
the circumferential perimeter of said glazing material; (b) placing
the glazing material within said opening such that said first
opposite face of said glazing material is positioned over said
first and second substantially transverse surfaces; (c) applying
the second layer of sealant to the second face of said glazing
material along a substantial portion of the circumferential
perimeter of said glazing material; (d) placing the shielding
member over said second face of said glazing material along a
substantial portion of the circumferential perimeter of said
glazing material; and (e) securing the shielding member, said
glazing material and said first and second layers of sealant to
said cabin wall against said first and second substantially
transverse surfaces using said fastening means to provide a
substantially liquid leak-proof seal.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (a) comprises applying the
first layer of sealant to the first opposite face of said glazing
material along the whole of the circumferential perimeter of said
glazing material.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein step (c) comprises applying the
second layer of sealant to the first opposite face of said glazing
material along the whole of the circumferential perimeter of said
glazing material.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein step (d) comprises placing the
shielding member over said second opposite face of said glazing
material along the whole of the circumferential perimeter of said
glazing material.
11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of allowing
the first layer of sealant to cure after step (a) and allowing the
second layer of sealant to cure after step (c).
12. A method of retrofitting a shielding assembly over a piece of
glazing material having a circumferential perimeter and inner and
outer opposite faces, in an opening formed within a cabin wall,
said shielding assembly comprising: a shielding member; a layer of
sealant and fastening means, said method comprising: (a) applying
the layer of sealant to the outer face of said glazing material
along a substantial portion of the circumferential perimeter of
said glazing material; (b) placing the shielding member over said
outer face of said glazing material along a substantial portion of
the circumferential perimeter of said glazing material; and (c)
securing the shielding member, said glazing material and said
sealant to said first and second layers of cabin wall using said
fastening means to provide a substantially leak proof seal.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein step (a) comprises applying the
layer of sealant to the outer face of said glazing material along
the whole of the circumferential perimeter of said glazing
material.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein step (b) comprises placing the
shielding member over said outer face of said glazing material
along the whole circumferential perimeter of said glazing
material.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of allowing
the layer of sealant to cure after step (a).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to window assemblies, and more
particular to waterproof window assemblies for installation in a
marine cabin wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Marine window assemblies must effectively seal the interior
of a marine vessel from noise and weather elements of the external
environment. For example, they must prevent various contaminants,
such as moisture, dirt, and debris from getting into the interior
of the boat. Window assemblies for installation within marine
vessels must also endure well under extreme heat or cold conditions
(i.e. seasonal changes) so that the sealing performance of the
assembly is not substantially degraded over time.
[0003] In the manufacture of boats having windows, hatches, or
windshields, one manufacturing technique is to glue a piece of
transparent glass (or other glazing material) directly onto a boat
so that an opening defined in a cabin body is closed by the piece
of glass. However, there are a number of drawbacks associated with
that procedure. Typically, during the course of wear and tear and
temperature excursions, window assemblies do not maintain
leak-proof seals due to the corrosive nature of environmental
conditions in addition to temperature excursions. This is as a
result of inadequate sealant adhesive and waterproof properties
which result in degregation of the seal as the sealant is exposed
to temperature extremes. In addition, the adhesive material
undergoes ultraviolet degradation since in existing window
assemblies, sunlight can pass directly through the glazing material
to the adhesive material. This degradation can lead to bond
failure.
[0004] Also, when repairing existing window installations, it is
typically necessary to completely disassemble the assembly.
Disassembly is destructive in nature and increases the difficulty
and cost of repair substantially.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a window assembly for
installation within a boat cabin wall having an opening, the
opening having first and second substantially transverse surfaces,
said assembly comprising:
[0006] (a) a piece of transparent or translucent glazing material
dimensioned to substantially close said opening and having a
circumferential perimeter, and first and second opposite faces;
[0007] (b) a mounting structure for holding said glazing material
in place substantially closing said opening, said mounting
structure comprising:
[0008] (i) first and second layers of sealant, said first layer of
sealant disposed on said first face of said glazing material along
a substantial portion of the circumferential perimeter and said
second layer of sealant disposed on said second face of said
glazing material along a substantial portion of the circumferential
perimeter;
[0009] (ii) a shielding member positioned over said second layer of
sealant and said glazing material; and
[0010] (iii) fastening means for securing the shielding member,
said glazing material and said first and second layers of sealant
to said cabin wall against the first and second substantially
transverse surfaces.
[0011] The present invention also provides a method of installing a
piece of glazing material in an opening formed within boat cabin
wall, said opening including first and second substantially
transverse surfaces, using a window assembly comprising: a piece of
transparent or translucent glazing material dimensioned to close
the opening and having a circumferential perimeter and first and
second opposite faces; first and second layers of sealant; a
shielding member; and fastening means, said method comprising:
[0012] (a) applying the first layer of sealant to the first face of
said glazing material along a substantial portion of the
circumferential perimeter of said glazing material;
[0013] (b) placing the glazing material within said opening such
that said first opposite face of said glazing material is
positioned over said first and second substantially transverse
surfaces;
[0014] (c) apply the second layer of sealant to the second face of
said glazing material along a substantial portion of the
circumferential perimeter of said glazing material;
[0015] (d) placing the shielding member over said second opposite
face of said glazing material along a substantial portion of the
circumferential perimeter of said glazing material; and
[0016] (e) securing the shielding member, said glazing material and
said sealant to said cabin wall against said first and second
substantially transverse surfaces using said fastening means to
provide a substantially liquid leak-proof seal.
[0017] The present invention also provides a method of retrofitting
a shielding assembly over a piece of glazing material having a
circumferential perimeter and inner and outer opposite faces, in an
opening formed within a cabin wall, said shielding assembly
comprising: a shielding member; a layer of sealant and fastening
means, said method comprising:
[0018] (a) applying the layer of sealant to the outer face of said
glazing material along a substantial portion of the circumferential
perimeter of said glazing material;
[0019] (b) placing the shielding member over said outer face of
said glazing material along a substantial portion of the
circumferential perimeter of said glazing material; and
[0020] (c) securing the shielding member, said glazing material and
said sealant to said first and second layers of cabin wall using
said fastening means to provide a substantially leak proof
seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In the accompanying drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1A is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the
marine window assembly of the present invention and an associated
boat cabin wall opening;
[0023] FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the marine window
assembly of FIG. 1A installed within the boat cabin wall opening of
FIG. 1A;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shielding member of
FIG. 1A;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a view of the marine window assembly of FIG. 1A
installed within a boat cabin wall;
[0026] FIG. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the boat cabin
wall opening of FIG. 1A with a first layer of sealant disposed on
the first and second substantially transverse surfaces of the
opening;
[0027] FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the boat cabin
wall opening of FIG. 1A with the glazing material positioned on top
the first layer of sealant;
[0028] FIG. 4C is a side cross-sectional view of the boat cabin
wall opening of FIG. 1A with a second layer of sealant disposed on
the glazing material and the first layer of sealant over an edge of
the boat cabin wall;
[0029] FIG. 4D is a side cross-sectional view of a completed
installation of the marine window assembly of FIG. 1A where the
shielding member positioned on top of another layer of sealant, the
glazing material, and the first and second substantially transverse
surfaces of the opening and securely fastened to the boat cabin
wall to provide a substantially liquid leak-proof seal.
[0030] FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of an existing window
assembly installation with a second layer of corrosion inhibitive
sealant 21 positioned thereabove; and
[0031] FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of an existing window
assembly installation showing the shielding member and the second
layer of corrosive inhibitive sealant 21 applied to the top surface
of the existing assembly in accordance with a retrofit application
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, illustrated therein is a
marine window assembly 10 for installation within an opening 13
formed within a boat cabin wall 15, said marine window assembly 10
made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Marine window assembly 10 includes glazing material 12,
a plurality of fasteners 16, a shielding member 18, and first and
second layers of corrosion inhibitive sealant 20 and 21. Marine
window assembly 10 is designed to be durable and when installed
within opening 13 to prevent various contaminants, such as
moisture, dirt, and debris from penetrating though assembly into
the interior of the boat.
[0033] Glazing material 12 (of any conventional type, such as
glass, tempered glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, etc., flat or
curved) is sized to fit within opening 13 within boat cabin wall 15
as is conventionally known. Boat cabin wall 15 may be any
conventional cabin wall in which a glued in window, hatch, or
windshield system is typically provided. Boat cabin wall 15 may be
made of any suitable material, such as fiberglass, aluminum, wood,
molded plastic, or the like, fiberglass being the most common
material. Boat cabin wall 15 defines one or more openings 13 for a
window, hatch, and/or a windshield. Each opening 13 (see FIG. 1)
including first and second transverse surfaces 17 and 19 against
which glazing material 12 is to be mounted.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, shielding member 18 is
utilized to secure glazing material 12 to boat cabin wall 15 as
well as to shield sealant 20 from the elements so that an enduring
leak-resistant seal is produced between glazing material 12 and
boat cabin wall 15. As shown, shielding member 18 prevents sunlight
and ultraviolet radiation from penetrating and degradating first
and second layers of corrosion inhibitive sealant 20 and 21.
Accordingly, the use of shielding member 18 prevents this type of
degredation of the window seal.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of shielding member 18 that
illustrates its structure. Shielding member 18 is a longitudinal
member having a curved bottom surface 24 and a pair of longitudinal
grooves 26 and 28. The curved bottom surface 24 allows for a
substantial volume of the second layer of sealant 21 to be
positioned along the longitudinal axis of shielding member 18.
This, in combination with the presence of the pair of longitudinal
grooves 26 and 28 within the bottom surface 24 allows said second
layer of sealant 21 to contact a larger amount of surface area of
shielding member 18 and glazing material 12 forming a secure
leak-proof seal. Shielding member 18 is preferably made of
aluminum, or a similar durable and corrosion inhibiting material.
Also, shielding member 18 contains (shown in dotted outline) a
plurality of fastener cavity 27, within which fastening means 16
(e.g. a bolt 23 of FIG. 1A) may be installed.
[0036] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, shielding member 18 is
dimensioned to cover a portion of the outer edge of glazing
material 12 over second layer of sealant 21 as well as to extend
over a part of the outer edge of boat cabin wall 15 so that
shielding member 18 can securely hold glazing material 12 in place
and so that first and second layers of sealant 20 and 21 are
shielded from potentially corrosive elements. It should be
understood that shielding member 18 can be provided in sections,
each having various shapes, so that various shaped pieces of
glazing material 12 can be accommodated within marine window
assembly 10. For example, it would be possible to provide a series
of sections of shielding member 18,each having sufficient curvature
so that a complete circle can be made out of the sections.
[0037] Fasteners 16 are used to firmly secure shielding member 18
to boat cabin wall 15 so that glazing member 12 is not displaced
and remains firmly in place. It should be understood that fastener
16 is preferably implemented using a bolt 23 and nut 25 assembly as
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, where bolt 23 is fixed within sealing
member 18 (i.e. within fastener cavity 27) and nut 25 is used to
anchor shielding member 18 and glazing material 12 against
transverse surfaces 17 and 19. It should be understood that
fastener 16 could also be implemented by a large variety of
fastening means, including bolts, adhesives, or other rigid
securing means.
[0038] First and second layer of sealant 20 and 21 are placed in
all the crevices and openings between boat member 13, shielding
member 10, and glazing material 12 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
First and second layers of sealant 20 is preferably corrosion
inhibitive such as the P/S 870 Class B selant manufactured by
PRC-DeSoto International, Inc. This type of sealant has a service
temperature range from -65.degree. F. (-54.degree. C.) to
250.degree. F. (121.degree. C.), with intermittent excursions up to
275.degree. F. (135.degree. C.). First and second layers of sealant
20 and 21 material also acts as an effective barrier against the
common causes of corrosion on aluminum alloys or between dissimilar
metals. Also, sealant 20 prevents contaminants from penetrating
boat window sealing assembly 16 by curing at room temperature to
form a resilient sealant.
[0039] According to the present invention, first and second layers
of sealant 20 and 21 must have good adhesion properties in respect
of the materials used for shielding member 18 and glazing member
12. Also, according to the present invention, the coefficient of
thermal expansion (CTE) of first and second layers of sealant 20
and 21 should be substantially similar to the coefficient of
thermal expansion (CTE) of the shielding member 18, so that when
marine window assembly 10 is exposed to a wide range of temperature
extremes, the expansion/contraction of first and second layers of
sealant 20 and 21 will not be substantially different than that of
shielding member 18. Accordingly, adhesion between first and second
layers of sealant 20 and 21 and shielding member 18 will be
maintained even under harsh weather conditions. It should be
understood that other types of commercially available sealant
having similar corrosion inhibitive and coefficients of thermal
expansion (CTE) that are substantially similar to those of
shielding member 18 and glazing material 12 may be utilized within
the invention as well.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, marine window assembly 10 is shown
in use on a boat 40. Marine window assembly 10 endures well under
extreme heat and cold conditions, unlike traditional window
assemblies. Since first and second layers of sealant 20 and 21 are
chosen to correspond to the thermal expansion characteristics of
the shielding member 18 and glazing material 12, the assembly 10 is
a robust system throughout extremes of temperature. Also, the
marine window assembly 10 of the present invention allows for a
relatively simpler, faster and less dangerous installation of a
window within a marine cabin wall than other traditional window
assemblies.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, a method of
installing glazing material 12 within boat cabin wall 15 according
to the present invention is illustrated by reference to a
cross-sectional view of an edge of marine window assembly 10 as it
appears during the course of installation within opening 13 of boat
cabin wall 15.
[0042] FIG. 4A shows how first layer of sealant 20 is applied to
the outer edge of boat cabin wall 15 as well as to first and second
transverse surfaces 17 and 19. First layer of sealant 20 is
disposed on edge of boat cabin wall 15 and to first and second
transverse surfaces 17 and 19 along the circumferential perimeter
of opening 13. Prior to applying first layer of sealant 20 to edge
of cabin wall 15 and transverse surfaces 17 and 19, these surfaces
are prepared using solvents to remove dirt, grease and processing
lubricants. First layer of sealant 20 is then cured at room
temperature for a suitable period of time (e.g. 4 hours or at
whatever temperature and setting conditions are necessary for
sealant to properly cure according to manufacturer's
specifications) to form a resilient sealant having good adhesion
properties to glazing material 12 and shielding member 18.
[0043] FIG. 4B illustrates how once first layer of sealant 20 is
cured, glazing material 12 is placed within cabin wall 15 such that
the inner edge of glazing material 12 contacts first layer of
sealant 20 on both transverse surfaces 17 and 19 and abuts against
boat cabin wall 15 therein. Glazing material 12 is pressed into
place against first layer of sealant 20 so that a leak-proof seal
is formed.
[0044] FIG. 4C illustrates how second layer of sealant 21 is then
applied to the top edge of glazing material 12 along the
circumferential perimeter. Second layer of sealant 21 is then cured
at room temperature for a suitable period of time (e.g. 4 hours or
at whatever temperature and setting conditions are necessary for
sealant to properly cure according to manufacturer's
specifications) to form a resilient sealant with adhesion
properties to glazing material 12 and shielding member 18.
[0045] FIG. 4D shows how finally, shielding member 18 is positioned
over second sealant layer 21 and secured in place using a plurality
of fasteners 16 (only one shown in FIG. 4D). Each fastener 16 is
comprised of a bolt 23 and a nut 25 as shown. As shown in FIGS. 4A,
4B and 4C, boat cabin wall 15 does not necessarily need to be
provided with fastener cavity 27 (FIG. 2). Rather, openings can be
provided within assembly 10 prior to the insertion of fasteners 16
(e.g. using a drill). As fasteners 16 are tightened to secure
shielding member 18 over first and second layer of sealant 20 and
21 and glazing material 12, excess sealant may be pressed out of
assembly 10 and can be removed using appropriate tools (e.g. putty
knife, etc.)
[0046] Finally, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, an existing window
assembly 50 can be retrofitted using a shielding member 68 having
the same physical structure and design of shielding member 18 (FIG.
2).
[0047] FIG. 5A shows an existing window assembly 50, where an
existing layer of glue 52 has been used to secure glazing material
56 into an opening in a boat cabin wall 54. As shown, and according
to the invention, a layer of sealant 61 is applied to the outer
surface of existing window assembly 50. Sealant 61 is allowed to
cure at room temperature for a suitable period of time to form a
resilient sealant. Sealant 61 will bond to the existing glue
52.
[0048] FIG. 5B shows how shielding member 68 is positioned over
sealant layer 61 and secured in place using a plurality of
fasteners 66 (only one is shown in FIG. 5B). As discussed in
respect of FIG. 5B, holes can be provided through boat cabin wall
prior to fastening with fasteners 66. Pressure applied by
tightening fasteners 66 will ensure that a secure leak-resistant
seal is produced between glazing material 56 and boat cabin 54.
[0049] Accordingly, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate how an existing
window assembly can be retrofitted with a shielding member 68 so as
to improve the quality and endurance of the seal between glazing
material 56 and boat cabin wall 54. This approach does not require
any destructive disassembly, but instead provides increased sealing
integrity to an existing installation in a convenient manner.
[0050] Only one embodiment of marine window assembly 10 of the
present invention has been described. As will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, various modifications and adaptations of the
structure described above are possible without departing from the
present invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *